Day 6:
Beef and Vegetables: Eat to your heart’s content of beef and vegetables this day. You can even have 2 or 3 steaks if you like, with leafy green vegetables. No Baked Potato. Eat your soup at least once.
I am not going to lie, this day was excruciating. I was feeling totally run-down and lousy. Despite my severe hunger, I could hardly stomach the food today. The mere thought of food was making me sick to my stomach. I did manage to eat 1 bowl of soup, and 2 very tiny steak filets. I also drank my water and lots of tea. I attempted to exercise, but nearly fainted, so I tried sleeping. I was desperate for that brown rice on day 7....
Day 7:
Brown rice, unsweetened fruit juices and vegetables: Again stuff, stuff, stuff yourself. Be sure to eat your soup at least once this day.
A little background :
The evening of day 6, I had the hardest time falling asleep. I did eventually get to sleep at about midnight or so. Unfortunately, I was awaken at 3:30 by cold sweats and a fever. My body was shaking and I felt like vomiting. It was the lack of food taking it's toll, I knew, but I didn't want to give up. I attempted to drink water and relax. My efforts were of no help. At about 6 , I got up to make myself some brown rice and juice. I figured that this would help me feel better. My symptoms were worse, and my blood pressure had dropped enormously. I normally have low blood pressure ( the top number s usually 80), and the number had gone to 60. I drank juice, and managed a few bites of rice. My symptoms continued to worsen, and I was on the verge of having to go to hospital.
Because of the circumstances, I had to give up on the diet. I ate a few nutrition bars, and fresh fruit. I am feeling a bit better. I will still drink the juices and eat rice today, but I need a few other healthy additives to sustain me. I feel incredibly guilty for giving up on the 7th day, however, it was not worth being in the hospital over.
My Final Thoughts:
My final results- I lost 5 pounds. I can't complain, that is good for 6 days! My stomach is flatter, and my system is clean. Although I could not complete the program, I did benefit from it.
Would I recommend it?
It depends.
I went into the diet with a very positive mindset. I figured "hey, it's only a week!". I have a very strong will-power, and I struggled immensely.
If you decide to give it a try, here are some things to keep in mind:
1. If you have health issues, you need to consider how this diet will effect you. This diet is extremely low calorie, low carb, low sugar, and sodium/fat free. A week doesn't seem too long, but it can take a serious toll on the body if you aren't careful.
2. The program is not designed for long term weight loss. Healthy weight loss is the loss of fat, this diet causes you to lose water weight. If you return to unhealthy habits afterwards, you will gain it all back. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet afterwards, you will likely keep the majority of the weight off.
Although I didn't make it the last day, I still feel like the diet was a success. The diet inspired me to eat better. Even in the last few days of starvation, I wasn't craving junk. I was craving fruits, and egg whites. I was craving healthy foods. I do feel like the diet is a great way to jump-start a healthier lifestyle.
All in all, I am pleased with my experience, despite the hard times. If you think you can do it, go for it! I just ask that if you start feeling extremely ill, or experience other symptoms, to stop the diet immediately. No diet is worth extreme health risks!
Have you tried this diet? What were your experiences with it?
X's and O's,
Amanda
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Cabbage Soup Diet Diary- Days 4 & 5
Day 4 :
Today, You are allowed up to eight bananas, skim milk, and soup.
Today was a good day for me! I love bananas, and I was glad to have my almond milk!! I only managed to eat 4 bananas, I have no idea how someone could eat 8! Also had lots of soup. For my workout, I did 30 minutes of yoga. Today was all in all a good one!
Day 5:
Beef And Tomatoes: Ten to twenty ounces of beef and up to six fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water this day to wash the uric acid from your body. Eat your soup at least once this day. You may eat broiled or baked chicken instead of beef (but absolutely no skin-on chicken). If you prefer, you can substitute broiled fish for beef on one of the beef days (but not both).
Today was the hardest day so far. I was so excited for some protein ( I chose chicken today), and didn't manage to eat much. I only consumed 4 tomatoes. I could not stomach more. I ate a lot of soup today! I had boneless, skinless chicken breast. I ate one whole, and a bit of a second. Although today has been tough, I feel much better. I feel cleansed, my system is more regular, and I am craving healthy foods! This diet has really inspired me to eat better, and I created a healthy meal plan for the days following the end of the diet. I hope that I can keep whatever weight I manage to loose off. I am honestly not too stoked for tomorrow, but I keep telling myself that I am almost there!!!!
Which day did you find the hardest on the diet?
Today, You are allowed up to eight bananas, skim milk, and soup.
Today was a good day for me! I love bananas, and I was glad to have my almond milk!! I only managed to eat 4 bananas, I have no idea how someone could eat 8! Also had lots of soup. For my workout, I did 30 minutes of yoga. Today was all in all a good one!
Day 5:
Beef And Tomatoes: Ten to twenty ounces of beef and up to six fresh tomatoes. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water this day to wash the uric acid from your body. Eat your soup at least once this day. You may eat broiled or baked chicken instead of beef (but absolutely no skin-on chicken). If you prefer, you can substitute broiled fish for beef on one of the beef days (but not both).
Today was the hardest day so far. I was so excited for some protein ( I chose chicken today), and didn't manage to eat much. I only consumed 4 tomatoes. I could not stomach more. I ate a lot of soup today! I had boneless, skinless chicken breast. I ate one whole, and a bit of a second. Although today has been tough, I feel much better. I feel cleansed, my system is more regular, and I am craving healthy foods! This diet has really inspired me to eat better, and I created a healthy meal plan for the days following the end of the diet. I hope that I can keep whatever weight I manage to loose off. I am honestly not too stoked for tomorrow, but I keep telling myself that I am almost there!!!!
Which day did you find the hardest on the diet?
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Cabbage Soup Diet Diary- Days 2 & 3
Day Two:
Vegetables: Eat until you are stuffed will all fresh, raw or cooked vegetables of your choice. Try to eat leafy green vegetables and stay away from dry beans, peas and corn. Eat all the vegetables you want along with your soup. At dinner, reward yourself with a big baked potato with butter. Do not eat fruit today.Day Three:
Mix Days One and Two: Eat all the soup, fruits and vegetables you want. No Baked Potato.Day 2 Diary :
Today was sort of hard for me. I don't really enjoy eating vegetables for breakfast, but I ate a tomato with oregano and pepper for breakfast. I ate 4 bowls of soup today, as well as a pack of baby carrots, a serving of spinach, and of course, that glorious baked potato. The baked potato was amazing, and I slept much better. I also completed 30 minutes on the stationary bike. I hope that my efforts to exercise are not causing water retention.
Day 3 Diary:
Today is much, much better. My favorite day so far out of all 3. I was glad to eat fruit for breakfast, and ended up eating an apple, a plum, and a nectarine. I also had a bowl of soup as a snack. I plan on having at least 2 more bowls full, as well as some spinach and broccoli. I have been doing really well drinking at least 2 liters of water per day. In fact, I have been drinking more. Was a bit disappointed to step on the scale and see that I had gained about a half of a pound since yesterday, but I figure my intense workout and the fact that I am menstruating are probably causing water retention. I plan on waiting to step on the scale until the cleanse is over. I am about to take a nice, detoxifying bath. I am looking forward to tomorrow, as bananas are more filling, and I can finally drink my almond milk!
What are your experiences with the Cabbage Soup Diet?
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Celiac Diaries- People's Reactions
If you are one of the 1:133 Americans with Celiac Disease ( I am one of them), you are probably all too famliar with the reactions you get from others.
" So it's a Food allergy, right?"
"Oh my gosh, I am so glad I am not you!"
" You can just have a little bite, right?"
" Wow you're so high maitinence!"
Blah, blah, blah.
I have had Celiac for a while now, and although I am used to these types of statements, they still irritate me from time to time.
Lately, I have been more annoyed than usual.
A little background :
I first experienced the symptoms of Celiac disease at the age of 4. Throughout my childhood, I got sick really easily, and always had mystery stomach pains. Because no doctor ever even considered that I may have Celiac Disease, I was often dismissed as having "emotional problems". As the years progressed, and I continued to eat Gluten, more severe, yet seemingly unexplainable things started happening. Unexplained seizures, anemia, and even distressed internal organs. You could say I spent a lot of time in the clinics and hospitals. Because a lot of these doctors could not provide any clear answers at the time, whenever I would be sick or end up in the Hospital, people would assume I was doing it for Attention and being dramatic.
Sadly, my Celiac diagnosis, which places the pieces of the puzzle together, hasn't changed people's minds.
I have been getting more comments from people saying things like :
"You're so young to be having all of these health problems"
and
" Wow, you are like, impossible to go anywhere with"
Yes, I am 21, and unfortunately, I have a fair share of health problems. But, really?
Nobody in the world picked this disease, and I can safely say, I doubt anyone enjoys having it.
I miss eating all of my old favorite foods that I ate as a child, and going out to Restaurants care-free with friends. I miss not having to read the Labels on absolutely everything I put in my mouth. It sucks to go out with your friends and watch everyone else eat. But let's get this straight, NOBODY asked for this, and it's hard enough to deal with without the ridiculous remarks that others make.
Do any of you Celiacs out there get similar remarks?
X's and O's,
Amanda
" So it's a Food allergy, right?"
"Oh my gosh, I am so glad I am not you!"
" You can just have a little bite, right?"
" Wow you're so high maitinence!"
Blah, blah, blah.
I have had Celiac for a while now, and although I am used to these types of statements, they still irritate me from time to time.
Lately, I have been more annoyed than usual.
A little background :
I first experienced the symptoms of Celiac disease at the age of 4. Throughout my childhood, I got sick really easily, and always had mystery stomach pains. Because no doctor ever even considered that I may have Celiac Disease, I was often dismissed as having "emotional problems". As the years progressed, and I continued to eat Gluten, more severe, yet seemingly unexplainable things started happening. Unexplained seizures, anemia, and even distressed internal organs. You could say I spent a lot of time in the clinics and hospitals. Because a lot of these doctors could not provide any clear answers at the time, whenever I would be sick or end up in the Hospital, people would assume I was doing it for Attention and being dramatic.
Sadly, my Celiac diagnosis, which places the pieces of the puzzle together, hasn't changed people's minds.
I have been getting more comments from people saying things like :
"You're so young to be having all of these health problems"
and
" Wow, you are like, impossible to go anywhere with"
Yes, I am 21, and unfortunately, I have a fair share of health problems. But, really?
Nobody in the world picked this disease, and I can safely say, I doubt anyone enjoys having it.
I miss eating all of my old favorite foods that I ate as a child, and going out to Restaurants care-free with friends. I miss not having to read the Labels on absolutely everything I put in my mouth. It sucks to go out with your friends and watch everyone else eat. But let's get this straight, NOBODY asked for this, and it's hard enough to deal with without the ridiculous remarks that others make.
Do any of you Celiacs out there get similar remarks?
X's and O's,
Amanda
Friday, November 23, 2012
Review: The 30 Day Shred Program
Hello beautiful ones!
So yesterday, I had a little accomplishment... I completed the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels!
I feel so, so good, and couldn't be happier with the results! I wanted to thouroughly review this program, and hopefully inspire some of you to give it a try!
What it is:
The 30 Day Shred is an exercise program designed by Jillian Michaels. The goal of the program is to get you "shredded" in 30 days time. It consists of three levels, each lasting ten days. Each workout is 20 minutes long ( a few minutes extra with warm up and cool down), and is set up in circuit training. There are three circuits per workout : 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute of abs. This program claims that you can lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days.
How I did it:
The program reccomends that you do not take any days off for resting. I followed this, and I feel like I got fit faster. I felt pretty sore at first, but it is your body trying to get used to the new workouts! I think your body adapts faster if you just push throught the soreness. I really enjoyed that the workout was only 20 minutes long, it was super easy to fit in to my sometimes hectic schedule! As far as diet, I already eat very clean and healthy due to my Celiac Disease, so there was not really any modifications. I did try to be more concious of portions, though. I lost ten pounds on this program, got toned, and I feel so much stronger and fitter now! I couldn't be happier, but I am also aware that this program is more of a kickstart to a better lifestyle, and I will need to continue to exercise to maintain results.
Here are the pros/ cons of the program:
Pros:
~Very short, is easy to fit into any schedule
~ Can be watched from Youtube, so it is free if you choose!
~ requires very little equipment. You only need 2-5 pound weights. I used 2, and it seemed too easy at times, but defintely provided enough resistance.
~ It isn't a super long term program
~ It offers beginner modifications for most of the exercises, so it's perfect for people new to exercise or with injuries.
Cons:
~ The specific diet plan is only available if you are a paid member of Jillian's website.
My tips if you try the program:
~ Don't skip days, even if you're sore. Pushing through it will cause your body to change faster.
~ Weigh yourself before you begin the program, but do not get on the scale for at least 2 weeks. I made this mistake of getting on the scale day 5, and was horrified to see that I gained 4 pounds! I later learned that this is because your muscles swell up and gain mass faster than fat goes away, but you will start noticing results shortly afterwards!
~ Don't deprive yourself, but do exercise portion control.
I would reccomend this program to anyone looking to get a good kickstart to a fit healthy lifestyle! It's easy and anyone can do it! If you have any questions, or want the youtube links to the videos, let me know! Happy Shredding :)
X's and O's,
Amanda
So yesterday, I had a little accomplishment... I completed the 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels!
I feel so, so good, and couldn't be happier with the results! I wanted to thouroughly review this program, and hopefully inspire some of you to give it a try!
What it is:
The 30 Day Shred is an exercise program designed by Jillian Michaels. The goal of the program is to get you "shredded" in 30 days time. It consists of three levels, each lasting ten days. Each workout is 20 minutes long ( a few minutes extra with warm up and cool down), and is set up in circuit training. There are three circuits per workout : 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute of abs. This program claims that you can lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days.
How I did it:
The program reccomends that you do not take any days off for resting. I followed this, and I feel like I got fit faster. I felt pretty sore at first, but it is your body trying to get used to the new workouts! I think your body adapts faster if you just push throught the soreness. I really enjoyed that the workout was only 20 minutes long, it was super easy to fit in to my sometimes hectic schedule! As far as diet, I already eat very clean and healthy due to my Celiac Disease, so there was not really any modifications. I did try to be more concious of portions, though. I lost ten pounds on this program, got toned, and I feel so much stronger and fitter now! I couldn't be happier, but I am also aware that this program is more of a kickstart to a better lifestyle, and I will need to continue to exercise to maintain results.
Here are the pros/ cons of the program:
Pros:
~Very short, is easy to fit into any schedule
~ Can be watched from Youtube, so it is free if you choose!
~ requires very little equipment. You only need 2-5 pound weights. I used 2, and it seemed too easy at times, but defintely provided enough resistance.
~ It isn't a super long term program
~ It offers beginner modifications for most of the exercises, so it's perfect for people new to exercise or with injuries.
Cons:
~ The specific diet plan is only available if you are a paid member of Jillian's website.
My tips if you try the program:
~ Don't skip days, even if you're sore. Pushing through it will cause your body to change faster.
~ Weigh yourself before you begin the program, but do not get on the scale for at least 2 weeks. I made this mistake of getting on the scale day 5, and was horrified to see that I gained 4 pounds! I later learned that this is because your muscles swell up and gain mass faster than fat goes away, but you will start noticing results shortly afterwards!
~ Don't deprive yourself, but do exercise portion control.
I would reccomend this program to anyone looking to get a good kickstart to a fit healthy lifestyle! It's easy and anyone can do it! If you have any questions, or want the youtube links to the videos, let me know! Happy Shredding :)
X's and O's,
Amanda
Monday, November 12, 2012
Healthy Living : My Disease, and Diet
Helllooooo!
So good to be back and blogging! I've had a crazy amount of stuff going on, and a huge chunk of that has been my health.
As I have talked about in a previous Healthy Living post, I am anemic, and have a low-functioning thyroid. But recently, my doctor diagnosed me with something that not only explains the anemia, it explains the past 10 years of my unsolved health mysteries. My diagnosis?
Celiac Disease.
For those of you who have never heard the term, it means that my body cannot process Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When I eat food containing Gluten, the villi in my intestines are damaged. Unfortunately, my villi are pretty destroyed. My doctor believes that the onset of my disease was about age 11. At age 21, that means that I have been destroying my stomach for 10 years, and the damage shows in my tests. This has not only affected my intestines, but my liver as well. The good news? My villi will repair themselves over time as long as I stick to a strict, gluten free diet. The bad news? I have to be on this diet for life, and EVERYTHING has gluten in it! Ugh!
Despite the challenge to find good, gluten-free foods, I feel amazing! I have truly never felt better, and I have lost 7 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I have so much energy, I look healthy, and I haven't suffered any tummy aches( before my diagnosis, tummy aches were almost daily!).
I know many people go on Gluten-Free diets to aid in weight loss even when they don't suffer from Celiac or other Gluten Intolerances. I have never heard anything negative, people really do feel better! I would reccomend everyone to try it. So, now that I have explained Celiac, I am going to go over how to go Gluten Free the healthy way, and how a gluten free diet can aid in weight loss.
First, let's talk about how people gain weight, or have trouble losing on a Gluten-Free diet. When you see chips, breads, pastas, cookies, etc. labeled 'Gluten Free', most people's minds translate it into "healthier". Let me clear this up. Gluten Free does not mean 'calorie free', 'carbohydrate free', 'fat free', etc. In fact, most gluten free products have MORE carbs than the regular products do. "Gluten Free" is not a license to eat loads of carb-rich/ fatty foods. It's all about portion control! I reccommend reading labels and measuring food so you can have a clear idea of how much you are consuming. I also reccommend limiting carbohydrate-rich foods. Another thing to keep in mind for those of you who are actually Celiac patients: because your villi will be healing themselves, they will eventually be able to absorb more of the nutrients from the foods you consume. Without a good, monitered diet and exercise, this can cause weight gain. I'm not big on calorie counting, but it is a good idea to talk with your nutritionist (or find a trustworthy online calculator) to learn approximately how many calories you should be consuming, and try to stay at or under that limit daily. The easiest way to do this is with the use of a food journal.
Now, onto the weight loss/ being healthier tips when going gluten-free:
~ Use a food journal. Recording everything you eat not only helps keep you aware of calorie consumption, it gives you an idea of where you should increase/ cut back. If you can look back in the diary and see that most of your calories came from breads, and there weren't many veggies, you can be more concious of where those calories are coming from.
~ Make sure to get the majority of your calories from Fruits and Veggies. Fruits and veggies are naturally gluten free foods, and are high in fiber, hence, more filling. I have been eating fresh foods and eating little to no processed foods. I have lost 8 pounds in just 2 weeks.
I hope you found this information helpful! Are any of you on a gluten-free diet?
X's and O's,
Amanda
So good to be back and blogging! I've had a crazy amount of stuff going on, and a huge chunk of that has been my health.
As I have talked about in a previous Healthy Living post, I am anemic, and have a low-functioning thyroid. But recently, my doctor diagnosed me with something that not only explains the anemia, it explains the past 10 years of my unsolved health mysteries. My diagnosis?
Celiac Disease.
For those of you who have never heard the term, it means that my body cannot process Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When I eat food containing Gluten, the villi in my intestines are damaged. Unfortunately, my villi are pretty destroyed. My doctor believes that the onset of my disease was about age 11. At age 21, that means that I have been destroying my stomach for 10 years, and the damage shows in my tests. This has not only affected my intestines, but my liver as well. The good news? My villi will repair themselves over time as long as I stick to a strict, gluten free diet. The bad news? I have to be on this diet for life, and EVERYTHING has gluten in it! Ugh!
Despite the challenge to find good, gluten-free foods, I feel amazing! I have truly never felt better, and I have lost 7 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I have so much energy, I look healthy, and I haven't suffered any tummy aches( before my diagnosis, tummy aches were almost daily!).
I know many people go on Gluten-Free diets to aid in weight loss even when they don't suffer from Celiac or other Gluten Intolerances. I have never heard anything negative, people really do feel better! I would reccomend everyone to try it. So, now that I have explained Celiac, I am going to go over how to go Gluten Free the healthy way, and how a gluten free diet can aid in weight loss.
First, let's talk about how people gain weight, or have trouble losing on a Gluten-Free diet. When you see chips, breads, pastas, cookies, etc. labeled 'Gluten Free', most people's minds translate it into "healthier". Let me clear this up. Gluten Free does not mean 'calorie free', 'carbohydrate free', 'fat free', etc. In fact, most gluten free products have MORE carbs than the regular products do. "Gluten Free" is not a license to eat loads of carb-rich/ fatty foods. It's all about portion control! I reccommend reading labels and measuring food so you can have a clear idea of how much you are consuming. I also reccommend limiting carbohydrate-rich foods. Another thing to keep in mind for those of you who are actually Celiac patients: because your villi will be healing themselves, they will eventually be able to absorb more of the nutrients from the foods you consume. Without a good, monitered diet and exercise, this can cause weight gain. I'm not big on calorie counting, but it is a good idea to talk with your nutritionist (or find a trustworthy online calculator) to learn approximately how many calories you should be consuming, and try to stay at or under that limit daily. The easiest way to do this is with the use of a food journal.
Now, onto the weight loss/ being healthier tips when going gluten-free:
~ Use a food journal. Recording everything you eat not only helps keep you aware of calorie consumption, it gives you an idea of where you should increase/ cut back. If you can look back in the diary and see that most of your calories came from breads, and there weren't many veggies, you can be more concious of where those calories are coming from.
~ Make sure to get the majority of your calories from Fruits and Veggies. Fruits and veggies are naturally gluten free foods, and are high in fiber, hence, more filling. I have been eating fresh foods and eating little to no processed foods. I have lost 8 pounds in just 2 weeks.
I hope you found this information helpful! Are any of you on a gluten-free diet?
X's and O's,
Amanda
Monday, September 17, 2012
Snuggle Sundays!
Hello, hello!
I want to start a series called Snuggle Sundays, where I can just catch up with you guys and share my week and things that inspired me, etc. I would love to see posts about your weeks as well!
This week was such a good one! I had such a positive attitude all week, and things ran smoothly.
I know some of you may not believe, but I started listening to podcasts by Joel Osteen, and I was reinspired by religion. Growing up, My mom was Catholic and my father wasn't religious. Despite being Catholic, my mother never attended church, and I had no real idea of God. When my parents divorced, my siblings, mother and I all moved closer to her family, her very Catholic family. All of the sudden, I was made to go to church every Sunday, and pray before meals when we were at grandma's. I was young, and church bored me, as did the fact my mother FORCED church upon me. I ended up resenting the church a little bit, and questioned if there was a God. Catholic church has always seemed so judgemental to me. Anyways, I ran across Joel Osteen, and he has made religion something enjoyable for me. He really speaks in a way that I understand, and that inspires me. Never did I think I would see the day where I would be praying and listening to religious podcasts! I think I like it because I found it and enjoy it on my terms. Even if you don't believe in God, you should still give it a listen! Joel covers basic morals and good ways to live everyday life1
I have also been inspired to "clean" out my life. I enjoy doing spring cleaning, but I also do a "fall cleaning" yearly. For the next 4 weeks, I am really going to concentrate on eating healthy, taking car of my body, my mind, and my apartment. My goals are to drink plenty of water, drink green tea to detox( as inspire by Elle Fowler), exercise regularly, deep clean and organize my apartment, develop an overall positive attitude/environment for myself, and taking care of myself in the beauty department. Four weeks is perfect, because My Birthday is in exactly a month! I know New Year's may be far away, but I think of birthdays sort of like new years, it's a chance to live another year of your life right!
This week, expect updates, and fall shopping 101, enjoying your job, and an introduction to my new blog! I hope everyone has an awesome week!!!!
X's and O's,
Amanda
I want to start a series called Snuggle Sundays, where I can just catch up with you guys and share my week and things that inspired me, etc. I would love to see posts about your weeks as well!
This week was such a good one! I had such a positive attitude all week, and things ran smoothly.
I know some of you may not believe, but I started listening to podcasts by Joel Osteen, and I was reinspired by religion. Growing up, My mom was Catholic and my father wasn't religious. Despite being Catholic, my mother never attended church, and I had no real idea of God. When my parents divorced, my siblings, mother and I all moved closer to her family, her very Catholic family. All of the sudden, I was made to go to church every Sunday, and pray before meals when we were at grandma's. I was young, and church bored me, as did the fact my mother FORCED church upon me. I ended up resenting the church a little bit, and questioned if there was a God. Catholic church has always seemed so judgemental to me. Anyways, I ran across Joel Osteen, and he has made religion something enjoyable for me. He really speaks in a way that I understand, and that inspires me. Never did I think I would see the day where I would be praying and listening to religious podcasts! I think I like it because I found it and enjoy it on my terms. Even if you don't believe in God, you should still give it a listen! Joel covers basic morals and good ways to live everyday life1
I have also been inspired to "clean" out my life. I enjoy doing spring cleaning, but I also do a "fall cleaning" yearly. For the next 4 weeks, I am really going to concentrate on eating healthy, taking car of my body, my mind, and my apartment. My goals are to drink plenty of water, drink green tea to detox( as inspire by Elle Fowler), exercise regularly, deep clean and organize my apartment, develop an overall positive attitude/environment for myself, and taking care of myself in the beauty department. Four weeks is perfect, because My Birthday is in exactly a month! I know New Year's may be far away, but I think of birthdays sort of like new years, it's a chance to live another year of your life right!
This week, expect updates, and fall shopping 101, enjoying your job, and an introduction to my new blog! I hope everyone has an awesome week!!!!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Healthy Living: Let's Talk Iron
Happy Tuesday!
In this "Healthy Living" post, I want to talk about Iron, and it's signifigance to your health.
Last week, I had some tests at my doctor's office for having an underactive thyroid. I had so many symptoms, and when my tests came back, my suspicions of a thyroid problem were spot on. But, the doctor also informed me that I am Anemic, and had extremely low levels of Iron. Iron Deficiency Anemia is pretty common, and pretty easy to treat with supplements and increased Iron intake. However, it's only an easy fix if the cause of your low Iron levels are diet related. I will be tested again in 2 months, as my doctor suspects I may have an intestional problem with absorbing Iron. I never really knew how important it was to have sufficient Iron! I have been on Iron supplements for 5 days, and I already feel alot better! Here are some reasons why Iron is so important, symptoms of Iron deficiency, and a list of some Iron- rich foods!
Iron's crucial role is to transport oxygen in your blood to your organs. In addition, it helps produce connective tissues in our bodies, and helps keep your immune system strong. That being said, it is extremely important that we have an adequate intake!
Some symptoms that you may be lacking in Iron:
~Tiredness/Weakness
~ Hair loss
~Paleness of the skin
Most people don't exhibit many signs. I had all of the above, however, the symptoms of Anemia and Hypoactive Thyroid are so similar, so I was REALLY tired, extreme hair loss, etc. If you suspect you may be lacking Iron, you can make an appointment with your doctor to have a test done. It is a simple blood test.
Here are some really Iron-rich foods. Eat your favorites of these as much as possible!
~ Spinich, and all leafy, or collared greens
~ Ham
~Chicken
~Tuna, Salmon, Hallibut
~ Beans
~Tofu
~ Varieties of seeds
~Potatoes
~Broccoli
~Rice
~Nuts
Bonus tip: Vitamin C helps the body absorb Iron, so be sure to get plenty of it!
I really hope these tips and information were helpful!
X's and O's,
Amanda
In this "Healthy Living" post, I want to talk about Iron, and it's signifigance to your health.
Last week, I had some tests at my doctor's office for having an underactive thyroid. I had so many symptoms, and when my tests came back, my suspicions of a thyroid problem were spot on. But, the doctor also informed me that I am Anemic, and had extremely low levels of Iron. Iron Deficiency Anemia is pretty common, and pretty easy to treat with supplements and increased Iron intake. However, it's only an easy fix if the cause of your low Iron levels are diet related. I will be tested again in 2 months, as my doctor suspects I may have an intestional problem with absorbing Iron. I never really knew how important it was to have sufficient Iron! I have been on Iron supplements for 5 days, and I already feel alot better! Here are some reasons why Iron is so important, symptoms of Iron deficiency, and a list of some Iron- rich foods!
Iron's crucial role is to transport oxygen in your blood to your organs. In addition, it helps produce connective tissues in our bodies, and helps keep your immune system strong. That being said, it is extremely important that we have an adequate intake!
Some symptoms that you may be lacking in Iron:
~Tiredness/Weakness
~ Hair loss
~Paleness of the skin
Most people don't exhibit many signs. I had all of the above, however, the symptoms of Anemia and Hypoactive Thyroid are so similar, so I was REALLY tired, extreme hair loss, etc. If you suspect you may be lacking Iron, you can make an appointment with your doctor to have a test done. It is a simple blood test.
Here are some really Iron-rich foods. Eat your favorites of these as much as possible!
~ Spinich, and all leafy, or collared greens
~ Ham
~Chicken
~Tuna, Salmon, Hallibut
~ Beans
~Tofu
~ Varieties of seeds
~Potatoes
~Broccoli
~Rice
~Nuts
Bonus tip: Vitamin C helps the body absorb Iron, so be sure to get plenty of it!
I really hope these tips and information were helpful!
X's and O's,
Amanda
Monday, July 2, 2012
Healthy Living: My Diet and Exercise Routine
Happy Monday Everyone!!!
I get alot of questions on my social sites asking me about my diet and exercise. Today I thought I would share my routine! Disclaimer: this is what works for me. This may or may not work for you, and before you make and major changes to your routine, you should always talk to a doctor!
My Diet:
Actually, I hate the word "diet". But I use it to describe what I eat, I don't go on "diets". I eat several small meals throughout the day, normally five or six. I never, ever skip breakfast! For breakfast, I eat oatmeal and a piece of fruit most mornings. A few hours later, I might have a yogurt and granola bar. Then lunch. Lunch is whatever my mother in law makes. She usually cooks pretty healthy, but if she happens to make something that isn't the healthiest, I just eat a smaller portion and add some salad. If I get hungry in the afternoon, I will usually eat veggies with a piece of cheese. Germans don't really eat dinner, so if I happen to get hungry again, I will eat fruit, veggies, any healthy snack. I stick with water as my beverage of choice, and occasionally I will have milk. I drink ice tea sometimes, but I try to avoid too much because of the sugar. When I lived in the States, I drank more milk. But in America, my mom purchased lower fat milk. Here, The milk our family buys is 3.8% fat. This tastes a little thick for my liking. I do drink alcohol on occasion, but never more than a glass or 2 of wine. I have alcohol less than once weekly ( don't worry guys, i'm legal!. Here are some more tips and tricks I have found helpful with food :
~Don't deprive yourself. I know you have probably heard this, but it is so true. If you deprive yourself of a certain food or a larger portion, you will end up caving at some point, and you will probably overeat. If you want a piece of cake, eat it. Just make sure not to eat it on a daily basis.
~Drink lots of water! Water keeps you hydrated, and full. If you tend to overeat at meals, drink a glass or more of water before you eat. This will make you feel full, and you probably won't eat as much.
~ Don't skip breakfast, ever. Even if you don't feel hungry, eat something small anyways. Your metabloism is likely to be quicker when you give yourself some fuel to start the day.
~ Eat as soon as you feel hungry. When you feel the first pangs of hunger, eat a small, healthy snack. If you wait til your next meal, etc., you will likely eat alot more, and when you're starving, your body is going to crave a high-fat, high-calorie meal. What's worse? Your body is likely to store the food you eat as fat, in fear of you depriving it again.
My Exercise Routine:
I exercise 4 times a week minimum. Other than the physical appearence of my body, I workout for several reasons: I sleep better, I feel more relaxed, I feel better about my body, I don't feel as much post-injury pain, the list goes on. The benefits of exercise are endless. For cardio, I ride a statinoary bike, and add resistance. As far as time, it varies. If i'm really low on time or energy, I might only ride the bike for 20 minutes. Normally I try to do 30 minutes minimum. I like to vary the time and resistance frequently. It's good to keep your body guessing, so that it has to work! Typically, I will do cardio Monday through Friday, doing strength training some of those days as well. On the weekends, I might do cardio, or just go for a walk with my fiancee, etc. I like to do something fun on the weekends. If I miss a workout during the week, I make it up over the weekend. I try to always go 6 miles minimum when I do cardio. I have been pretty faithful with my workouts, and I feel so much better. Here are some additional tips I have found helpful with exercise:
~ Stop making excuses. The most famous excuse for not working out is "I don't have time". Really? You don't spend any time surfing the web or watching tv? You don't seriously have 10 minutes, even if it isn't consecutive? Contrary to popular belief, your workout doesn't have to last an hour, and it doesn't have to be consecutive. Use absolutely any time you have. Watching tv? Do toning moves and short bursts of cardio on the commercial breaks. Got a break at work? Walk around the building several times. If you prioritize your time, you WILL have time for exercise, even if it's not a lot. Something is better than nothing!
~ Find the RIGHT inspiration. Photos of super fit celebs may inspire you to get started, but you'll end up discouraged. Here's the thing: you will never look like someone else. Your body is different, and you may not ever be able to attain certain assets. Work with what you have. Make YOUR body type look the best it can. Also, don't just focus on appearences. Focus on the other benefits of exercise to help keep you motivated. And don't give up! Alot of people think missing a day (or week!) means you should just throw the towel in. You will have more success if you just keep going. Missed an entire week of exercise? Don't dwell on it, start fresh this week.
~ Push yourself. It's easy to settle into a routine. But if you do the exact same exercise on the exact same days for too long, you'll stop seeing results. When your body knows what to expect, it won't work very hard. Increase time, reps, resistance, weights, vary the type of exercise, workout on a normal "day off", etc. I recommend switiching things up every 2 weeks.
So there you have it, my basic eating and exercise routine. Let me know if you have any other questions. I really hoped this helped some of you! What is your routine? Leave it in the comments, I 'd love to hear!
X's and O's,
Amanda
I get alot of questions on my social sites asking me about my diet and exercise. Today I thought I would share my routine! Disclaimer: this is what works for me. This may or may not work for you, and before you make and major changes to your routine, you should always talk to a doctor!
My Diet:
Actually, I hate the word "diet". But I use it to describe what I eat, I don't go on "diets". I eat several small meals throughout the day, normally five or six. I never, ever skip breakfast! For breakfast, I eat oatmeal and a piece of fruit most mornings. A few hours later, I might have a yogurt and granola bar. Then lunch. Lunch is whatever my mother in law makes. She usually cooks pretty healthy, but if she happens to make something that isn't the healthiest, I just eat a smaller portion and add some salad. If I get hungry in the afternoon, I will usually eat veggies with a piece of cheese. Germans don't really eat dinner, so if I happen to get hungry again, I will eat fruit, veggies, any healthy snack. I stick with water as my beverage of choice, and occasionally I will have milk. I drink ice tea sometimes, but I try to avoid too much because of the sugar. When I lived in the States, I drank more milk. But in America, my mom purchased lower fat milk. Here, The milk our family buys is 3.8% fat. This tastes a little thick for my liking. I do drink alcohol on occasion, but never more than a glass or 2 of wine. I have alcohol less than once weekly ( don't worry guys, i'm legal!. Here are some more tips and tricks I have found helpful with food :
~Don't deprive yourself. I know you have probably heard this, but it is so true. If you deprive yourself of a certain food or a larger portion, you will end up caving at some point, and you will probably overeat. If you want a piece of cake, eat it. Just make sure not to eat it on a daily basis.
~Drink lots of water! Water keeps you hydrated, and full. If you tend to overeat at meals, drink a glass or more of water before you eat. This will make you feel full, and you probably won't eat as much.
~ Don't skip breakfast, ever. Even if you don't feel hungry, eat something small anyways. Your metabloism is likely to be quicker when you give yourself some fuel to start the day.
~ Eat as soon as you feel hungry. When you feel the first pangs of hunger, eat a small, healthy snack. If you wait til your next meal, etc., you will likely eat alot more, and when you're starving, your body is going to crave a high-fat, high-calorie meal. What's worse? Your body is likely to store the food you eat as fat, in fear of you depriving it again.
My Exercise Routine:
I exercise 4 times a week minimum. Other than the physical appearence of my body, I workout for several reasons: I sleep better, I feel more relaxed, I feel better about my body, I don't feel as much post-injury pain, the list goes on. The benefits of exercise are endless. For cardio, I ride a statinoary bike, and add resistance. As far as time, it varies. If i'm really low on time or energy, I might only ride the bike for 20 minutes. Normally I try to do 30 minutes minimum. I like to vary the time and resistance frequently. It's good to keep your body guessing, so that it has to work! Typically, I will do cardio Monday through Friday, doing strength training some of those days as well. On the weekends, I might do cardio, or just go for a walk with my fiancee, etc. I like to do something fun on the weekends. If I miss a workout during the week, I make it up over the weekend. I try to always go 6 miles minimum when I do cardio. I have been pretty faithful with my workouts, and I feel so much better. Here are some additional tips I have found helpful with exercise:
~ Stop making excuses. The most famous excuse for not working out is "I don't have time". Really? You don't spend any time surfing the web or watching tv? You don't seriously have 10 minutes, even if it isn't consecutive? Contrary to popular belief, your workout doesn't have to last an hour, and it doesn't have to be consecutive. Use absolutely any time you have. Watching tv? Do toning moves and short bursts of cardio on the commercial breaks. Got a break at work? Walk around the building several times. If you prioritize your time, you WILL have time for exercise, even if it's not a lot. Something is better than nothing!
~ Find the RIGHT inspiration. Photos of super fit celebs may inspire you to get started, but you'll end up discouraged. Here's the thing: you will never look like someone else. Your body is different, and you may not ever be able to attain certain assets. Work with what you have. Make YOUR body type look the best it can. Also, don't just focus on appearences. Focus on the other benefits of exercise to help keep you motivated. And don't give up! Alot of people think missing a day (or week!) means you should just throw the towel in. You will have more success if you just keep going. Missed an entire week of exercise? Don't dwell on it, start fresh this week.
~ Push yourself. It's easy to settle into a routine. But if you do the exact same exercise on the exact same days for too long, you'll stop seeing results. When your body knows what to expect, it won't work very hard. Increase time, reps, resistance, weights, vary the type of exercise, workout on a normal "day off", etc. I recommend switiching things up every 2 weeks.
So there you have it, my basic eating and exercise routine. Let me know if you have any other questions. I really hoped this helped some of you! What is your routine? Leave it in the comments, I 'd love to hear!
X's and O's,
Amanda
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